The course contributes to the teaching plan in Philosophy by complementing other courses in ancient philosophy. Aristotle is chosen as the primary source to give students the experience of reading a connected work and following a body of thought, and because his approach to philosophy (by contrast with Plato's) makes it easier to study his ethical thought in isolation.

Shared with UG course Ancient Ethics PHIL10101.

For courses co-taught with undergraduate students and with no remaining undergraduate spaces left, a maximum of 8 MSc students can join the course. Priority will be given to MSc students who wish to take the course for credit on a first come first served basis after matriculation.

Course description

The course is based on a systematic coverage of the main themes of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics. Topics discussed will include the human good, moral and intellectual virtues, responsibility, pleasure, friendship, and the place of philosophy in the good life. The impact of ancient theories of virtue on later thought will also be considered.

- Additional fortnightly MSc-only tutorial groups
- Students have the opportunity to submit a formative essay by week 6 deadline on Turnitin via Learn. The essay cannot be draft of summative essay but it can be on the same topic.